Distributed handling of associated data sets in a computer network

摘要

A method, a computer program product and a network component for the automatic creation of one or more follow-on data set for an initial data sets are described. A dialogue routine is implemented for initiating one or more dialogue-type communications that include at least one of inputting and confirming data required for creating the follow-on data set. The method comprises providing a data base with a plurality of data sets, generating a list of data sets according to one or more user defined criteria, and displaying the list at least partially. For a data set of the list that allows for the automatic creation of a follow-on data set a related control element is displayed which is configured to be activated by a user operated input device. Upon activation, the control element generates a control signal for initiating the automatic creation of a follow-on data set for the data set selected by activating the control element. Upon generation of the control signal the dialogue routine is skipped for the follow-on data set to be created and the follow-on data set is automatically created based on data derived from at least one of the selected data set and any data set associated with the selected data set. The newly created follow-on data set is then associated with a selected data set for example by writing reference information in a table of the selected data set. <IMAGE>